Standing the test of time

We are used to reviewing the latest products in BBC Sky at Night Magazine, but in recent years have also carried out Tried & Tested reviews of equipment that has stood the test of time and is still being produced and sold.

So along with the September issue review of the ZWO ASI034MC colour USB 2.0 camera, this month we also look at the Fornax Mounts LighTrack II mobile tracking mount. This is an upgrade to the original tracking mount for DSLRs and is truly a new and improved product.

We also feature a T&T review of a good old stalwart, the Sky-Watcher SkyMax 180 Pro Maksutov-Cassegrain (pictured above). This is the largest of Sky-Watcher’s Maksutov range and has proven to be a scope that many are delighted with. Unsurprisingly, it continues to sell well. This goes to show that where products are well thought out in design, they remain 'in fashion', so to speak, and prove long-term durability. It's good to be able to highlight such quality instruments when they are worthy. Check out my review of the SkyMax 180 in this month's issue and see what our guest owner had to say.

Regarding the Fornax tracking mount, again it is good to see manufacturers striving to improve and refine their products and, realistically, this is something they would only do if the product initially sold well in order to make it viable. I'm always impressed how a small improvement can make such a big difference. See how Steve Richards found the Fornax 10 LighTrack II in his review this month.

In the last year, ZWO has produced a very affordable entry-level Solar System imaging camera in the shape of their ASI034, which Martin Lewis explores for the September issue.

Read the latest reviews and more in the September issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine, out 20 August.

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